Role of nano-powder of Azadirachta indica leaves to regulate the physiological responses and metal uptake in Triticum aestivum seedlings

In the present study different doses (0.05, 2.0 and 5.0 mg per 30 ml nutrient medium) of nano-powder (Azadirachta indica leaves) were applied in Cd contaminated (6 ppm) hydroponic system to regulate the metal uptake in Triticum aestivum (wheat) seedlings. Other physiological attributes including oxidative biomarkers, antioxidants and photosynthetic responses were also assessed. The level of Cd was maximally reduced at the dose of 2.0 mg nano powder per 30 ml nutrient medium by 45 and 49% in the shoot and root, respectively. With the maximum reduction in the Cd uptake at this dose, the generation of oxidative stress markers such as H2O2 (12%), MDA (26%) and SOR (20%) content showed maximum reduction in treated seedlings. At different doses of nano-powder, the activities of antioxidative enzymes were also showed significant variation. Further, the photosynthetic O-2 evolution rate was improved with the treatment of nano-powder and the best response was noted at 2.0 mg per 30 ml nutrient medium with the maximum value of fresh shoot biomass (38%). The overall results suggest that, this technique could be easily applied for reducing the metal content and increasing the quality of agricultural crops.